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South Africans have been invited to come up with a name for South Africa’s newest airline, which is expected to start flying by the end of the year.
The airline, which is a partnership between Kulula founder Gidon Novick and Global Aviation, is inspired by innovative technology-driven companies like Uber.
“Similar to the way Uber has transformed point-to-point mobility, there is a great opportunity for the airline industry to rethink its relationship with passengers and become more obsessed with the customer,” said Novick.
“The pandemic has created a unique opportunity to start an airline that is not only dramatically more efficient, but also inventive and creative by harnessing the unique talent our country offers.”
South Africans can visit brandnewairline.co.za to submit your suggestions and vote on your preferred name for the airline.
The winner will be announced within the next two weeks and will be rewarded with a free one-year travel pass on the airline.
The award is detailed below:
- One year of flights on ‘airline X’ comprising 12 roundtrip flights for two (winner + partner)
- Maximum value of R2,000 per person per flight
- Travel must be used within 12 months of obtaining
Building a new airline during the pandemic
The new airline is launching despite other established airlines facing major issues – both SAA and Comair are currently in the middle of business rescue proceedings.
However, Novick sees an opportunity created by the COVID-19 pandemic to review the traditional airline model, including a focus on technology.
“Technology has the ability to facilitate a fluid, efficient and attractive relationship with our future customers,” said Novick.
In addition, Novick noted that the pandemic has provided an opportunity to acquire important assets for an airline, including aircraft, facilities and employees, at an affordable price.
By improving efficiency and reducing costs, Novick believes the airline can make great strides in the airline industry.
Cost reduction measures will include buying or leasing used aircraft to save money.
These aircraft will predominantly be narrow-body, single-aisle aircraft with a capacity of about 180 people, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
In addition, Novick said that it is “absolutely key” that the airline stay out of debt, and has confirmed that it will be financed with private equity.
This is because your experience in the industry showed you how much damage debt can cause.
Strategy
This new airline will begin with flights between OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport, and it anticipates that its first flight will take place in December 2020.
While this is a solid route for business travel, Novick doesn’t believe business travel will continue to be as strong as it was prior to closing.
Instead, the focus of the new airline is on leisure travel and will take advantage of South Africa’s potential as a tourist destination.
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